Adding Stacked Stone Around the Base of Porch Columns

Stacked stone bases anchor porch columns to the ground, providing a sturdy and attractive finishing touch to the design. The type of stone should reflect the type used in other parts of the exterior design or landscape. Flat stones of uniform thickness are the easiest to install, but you can use stones of varying sizes for a more rustic look.

Things You'll Need

Measuring tape

Chalk

Twine

Level

Bucket

Mortar mix

Concrete trowel

Chisel or masonry saw

Grout bag

Determine the desired height of the stacked stone base on each column and mark the location with a piece of chalk. For multiple columns, stretch twine between the marks and use a level to ensure the height of each stack stone base ends at the same point on the column.

Wrap wood columns between the ground and the chalk mark with tar paper. Staple the tar paper in place. Install a sheet of mesh metal lathe over the tar paper and secure with galvanized staple. The lathe gives the mortar something to adhere to. Stone or cement columns require no preparation.

Mix the dry mortar with water in a plastic bucket, following package instructions. Properly mixed mortar has a thick consistency but spreads easily.

Apply a 1/2-inch layer of mortar to the cement pad surrounding the column and along the bottom 4 inches of the column, using a cement trowel.

Set the stacked stones in the mortar, pushing the back of each stone flush to the column. Add a 1/4-inch layer of mortar between the side joints of each stone. Use a chisel or a saw with a masonry blade to cut stones to fit.

Smooth a 1/2-inch layer of mortar on top of the first layer of stones. Set the second layer in place, offsetting the joints between the second and first layer. Continue adding mortar to each layer and the porch column between each course of stones until you reach the chalk line.

Inspect the wall for any gaps between stones after the mortar has dried. Fill a grout bag with mortar and squeeze it into any large gaps so water cannot seep between the stones.